Apparatuses, methods, and systems disclosed herein that improve the safety and enhance the quality of interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers. In one example embodiment, a method is provided in which, during a traffic stop, a first device associated with an officer's vehicle obtains information about a driver's vehicle, queries a database for network address information associated with a driver device associated with the driver's vehicle, and receives the network address information from the database. The first device may then transmit a connection request to the second device using the received network address information; and a connection may be established between the two devices. This connection may comprise a videoconference, a teleconference, or even a text chat feature, enabling the officer and the driver to communicate from their respective vehicles, thus avoiding the face-to-face and tension-filled in-person interaction that has previously been a necessary risk involved in traffic stops.
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1. A method for establishing a communication session between a first computing device, a second computing device, and a third computing device, the method comprising: presenting, by a first computing device and via a first user interface, an input field for receiving vehicle information, wherein (a) a first user has been authenticated for interaction with the first user interface, and (b) the first computing device is associated with a first vehicle; receiving, by the first computing device, the vehicle information of a second vehicle during an event, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are proximate one another during the event; providing, by the first computing device, the vehicle information of the second vehicle, wherein the vehicle information of the second vehicle is used to query a database for connection information associated with a second computing device, and wherein the second computing device is associated with the second vehicle; receiving, by the first computing device and as a result of the query, (a) the connection information associated with the second computing device, and (b) driver information; presenting, by the first computing device and via the first user interface, (a) the driver information, and (b) an indicator for initiating a communication session with the second computing device; responsive to selection of the indicator via the first user interface, initiating, by the first computing device, a communication session request to the second computing device using the connection information, wherein the communication session request is received by the second computing device and presented via a second user interface of the second computing device; responsive to the communication request being accepted, establishing, by the first computing device, a communication session between the first computing device and the second computing device; automatically determining whether to join a third party to the communication session based at least in part on (a) a language indication in the driver information, (b) an age indication in the driver information, (c) a physical state or an emotional state detected from the communication session, or (d) a request during the communication session; and responsive to automatically determining to join a third party to the communication session, initiating, by the first computing device, a communication session request to a third computing device.
Automotive communication and user interaction. This technology addresses establishing communication sessions between multiple vehicles and their associated computing devices, particularly during events where vehicles are in proximity. A first computing device, associated with a first vehicle and authenticated to a first user, presents an input field for receiving vehicle information. This first computing device receives vehicle information of a second vehicle during an event. This information is used to query a database to find connection information for a second computing device associated with the second vehicle, as well as driver information for the second vehicle's driver. The first computing device then displays the driver information and an option to initiate communication. Upon user selection, a communication session request is sent to the second computing device. If accepted, a communication session is established between the first and second computing devices. The system then automatically determines whether to invite a third party to the session based on the driver's language or age, the detected physical or emotional state during the communication, or a direct request. If a third party is to be joined, a communication request is sent to a third computing device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle information is either received as manual input or automatically captured.
A system and method for managing vehicle information in a transportation or fleet management context addresses the challenge of efficiently collecting and processing vehicle data for operational, maintenance, or regulatory purposes. The invention provides a flexible approach to acquiring vehicle information, which can be either manually entered by a user or automatically captured through sensors, onboard diagnostics, or other data sources. This dual-input mechanism ensures adaptability to different operational environments, such as scenarios where automated data collection is unavailable or unreliable. The system processes the received information to support functions like vehicle tracking, maintenance scheduling, compliance monitoring, or performance analysis. By accommodating both manual and automated data inputs, the invention improves data accuracy, reduces manual effort, and enhances the reliability of vehicle-related decision-making processes. The method may integrate with existing fleet management systems, telematics platforms, or regulatory databases to streamline workflows and ensure comprehensive data coverage. The invention is particularly useful in industries where vehicle data is critical for safety, efficiency, or regulatory adherence, such as logistics, public transportation, or commercial fleets.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle information is automatically captured from a dash-cam attached to the first vehicle or an external camera located along a roadway.
A system and method for capturing and processing vehicle information to enhance road safety and traffic management. The invention addresses the need for accurate, real-time data collection from vehicles to improve traffic monitoring, accident prevention, and automated enforcement. The system captures vehicle information, such as speed, location, and identification, using automated data collection methods. In one implementation, the vehicle information is automatically captured from a dash-cam installed in the vehicle or from an external camera positioned along the roadway. The captured data is then processed to extract relevant details, which may include vehicle speed, license plate information, or traffic violations. The system may also integrate with other data sources, such as GPS or road sensors, to provide a comprehensive traffic analysis. The processed information can be used for various applications, including traffic law enforcement, accident reconstruction, or adaptive traffic signal control. The automated capture and processing of vehicle data reduce the need for manual monitoring, improving efficiency and accuracy in traffic management systems.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting, by the first computing device, a broadcast message requesting the vehicle information receiving, by the first computing device, the vehicle information from a response of the second computing device.
A system for wirelessly exchanging vehicle information between computing devices in a vehicular network. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently retrieving vehicle-specific data, such as diagnostics, location, or operational status, from nearby vehicles or infrastructure nodes without requiring direct pairing or prior connection setup. The method involves a first computing device broadcasting a request message over a wireless communication protocol, such as DSRC, cellular V2X, or Wi-Fi, to solicit vehicle information from surrounding devices. Upon receiving the broadcast, a second computing device—typically another vehicle or roadside unit—responds by transmitting its vehicle information, which may include sensor data, identification details, or environmental measurements. The first device then receives and processes this response to obtain the desired data. This approach enables ad-hoc, one-to-many communication for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) data exchange, improving situational awareness and enabling applications such as traffic management, collision avoidance, or fleet monitoring without the overhead of establishing persistent connections. The use of broadcast messaging reduces latency and resource consumption compared to traditional request-response models that require connection establishment.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the database is hosted by a third party device located remotely from both the first computing device and the second computing device.
A system and method for securely sharing data between computing devices using a third-party remote database. The invention addresses the challenge of securely transferring data between devices without direct communication, ensuring data integrity and access control. The method involves a first computing device encrypting data and transmitting it to a remote database hosted by a third-party device. The database stores the encrypted data and provides access to a second computing device, which retrieves and decrypts the data using a shared key. The third-party database acts as an intermediary, ensuring that the first and second devices do not need to establish a direct connection. The system may include additional security measures, such as authentication protocols, to verify the identity of the devices accessing the database. The method ensures that data remains confidential during transmission and storage, while allowing authorized devices to access and process the information securely. The remote database may also support multiple encryption keys or access policies to further enhance security. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where direct communication between devices is impractical or insecure, such as in distributed systems or environments with strict data privacy requirements.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication session comprises at least one of a video conference, a teleconference, or text chat.
This invention relates to communication systems, specifically methods for managing communication sessions such as video conferences, teleconferences, or text chats. The core problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure handling of different types of communication sessions within a unified system. The method involves establishing a communication session between multiple participants, where the session can be a video conference, teleconference, or text chat. The system dynamically adapts to the type of session, ensuring seamless integration and functionality regardless of the communication medium. For video conferences, the method includes real-time video and audio streaming with synchronization. For teleconferences, it provides voice transmission with noise suppression and echo cancellation. For text chats, it enables real-time messaging with message encryption and delivery confirmation. The system also includes authentication mechanisms to verify participant identities and access controls to manage permissions. Additionally, the method supports session recording, transcription, and playback for later review. The invention ensures interoperability between different communication types, allowing participants to switch between video, audio, and text modes without disrupting the session. The solution enhances collaboration by providing a flexible, secure, and user-friendly communication platform.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting, by the first computing device, an invitation for a third computing device to facilitate joining the communication session.
A method for managing participation in a communication session among multiple computing devices, addressing the need to dynamically expand session membership. The invention involves a first computing device that initiates or moderates a communication session with at least one other device. To include additional participants, the first device generates and sends an invitation to a third computing device, prompting it to join the ongoing session. This invitation transmission is performed by the first device without requiring pre-existing connections or prior authorization from the third device, enabling seamless onboarding of new participants. The process ensures that the communication session can scale efficiently while maintaining control over who joins, as the invitation originates from the device managing the session. This approach is particularly useful in real-time collaboration tools, remote conferencing systems, or multi-device communication platforms where dynamic participant addition is required. The method does not depend on centralized servers for invitation delivery, relying instead on direct device-to-device communication or network-based signaling to extend session membership.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event is a law enforcement traffic stop.
A system and method for monitoring and analyzing traffic stops conducted by law enforcement. The technology addresses the need for improved transparency, accountability, and data collection during traffic stops to ensure fair and consistent enforcement. The system captures real-time data from law enforcement vehicles, including vehicle location, speed, and officer actions, as well as external data such as weather conditions and traffic patterns. The system processes this data to generate insights into stop frequency, duration, and outcomes, identifying potential biases or inefficiencies in enforcement practices. The method includes automated alerts for prolonged stops or deviations from standard procedures, ensuring compliance with protocols. Additionally, the system integrates with body-worn cameras and dashcams to correlate visual evidence with collected data, providing a comprehensive record of each stop. The technology aims to enhance public trust in law enforcement while improving operational efficiency and officer safety.
9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: generating a citation associated with the event or a report regarding the event; and providing the citation or the report for storage on a remote device.
This invention relates to event monitoring and reporting systems, particularly for generating and storing citations or reports associated with detected events. The system monitors events, such as security breaches, system failures, or other notable occurrences, and automatically generates a citation or report detailing the event. The citation or report includes relevant information such as event type, timestamp, location, and severity. The system then transmits this citation or report to a remote device for storage, ensuring that event data is preserved and accessible for future reference, analysis, or compliance purposes. The remote storage allows for centralized management of event records, facilitating audits, investigations, or performance tracking. The invention improves event documentation by automating the generation and storage of event-related data, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency in reporting. The system may also support additional features such as event categorization, prioritization, or integration with other monitoring or alerting systems. The invention is applicable in various domains, including cybersecurity, industrial monitoring, and compliance management, where accurate and reliable event documentation is critical.
10. A first computing device associated with a first vehicle, the first computing device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, configure the first computing device to: present, via a first user interface, an input field for receiving vehicle information, wherein a first user has been authenticated for interaction with the first user interface; receive, the vehicle information of a second vehicle during an event, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are proximate one another during the event; provide the vehicle information of the second vehicle, wherein the vehicle information of the second vehicle is used to query a database for connection information associated with a second computing device, and wherein the second computing device is associated with the second vehicle; receive, as a result of the query, (a) the connection information associated with the second computing device, and (b) driver information; present, via the first user interface, (a) the driver information, and (b) an indicator for initiating a communication session with the second computing device; responsive to selection of the indicator via the first user interface, initiate, a communication session request to the second computing device using the connection information, wherein the communication session request is received by the second computing device and presented via a second user interface of the second computing device; responsive to the communication request being accepted, establish a communication session between the first computing device and the second computing device; automatically determine whether to join a third party to the communication session based at least in part on (a) a language indication in the driver information, (b) an age indication in the driver information, (c) a physical state or an emotional state detected from the communication session, or (d) a request during the communication session; and responsive to automatically determining to join a third party to the communication session, initiate a communication session request to a third computing device.
This invention relates to a system for facilitating communication between drivers of proximate vehicles during an event, such as an accident or roadside assistance scenario. The system addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently connecting drivers who may need to exchange information or coordinate assistance. A first computing device, associated with a first vehicle, includes a processor and memory storing instructions to present a user interface for an authenticated user to input vehicle information of a second vehicle. The system detects when the first and second vehicles are in proximity during an event. The first computing device queries a database using the second vehicle's information to retrieve connection details for a second computing device (linked to the second vehicle) and driver information. The first device then displays the driver information and an option to initiate a communication session with the second device. Upon selection, a communication request is sent to the second device, which presents the request via its own user interface. If accepted, a communication session is established. During the session, the system automatically evaluates whether to include a third party based on factors such as the driver's language, age, detected physical or emotional state, or an explicit request. If deemed necessary, the system initiates a communication request to a third computing device to join the session. This ensures additional support or translation services can be provided when needed.
11. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a first computing device associated with a first vehicle, configure the first computing device to: present, via a first user interface, an input field for receiving vehicle information, wherein a first user has been authenticated for interaction with the first user interface; receive, the vehicle information of a second vehicle during an event, wherein the first vehicle and the second vehicle are proximate one another during the event; provide the vehicle information of the second vehicle, wherein the vehicle information of the second vehicle is used to query a database for connection information associated with a second computing device, and wherein the second computing device is associated with the second vehicle; receive, as a result of the query, (a) the connection information associated with the second computing device, and (b) driver information; present, via the first user interface, (a) the driver information, and (b) an indicator for initiating a communication session with the second computing device; responsive to selection of the indicator via the first user interface, initiate, a communication session request to the second computing device using the connection information, wherein the communication session request is received by the second computing device and presented via a second user interface of the second computing device; responsive to the communication request being accepted, establish a communication session between the first computing device and the second computing device; automatically determine whether to join a third party to the communication session based at least in part on (a) a language indication in the driver information, (b) an age indication in the driver information, (c) a physical state or an emotional state detected from the communication session, or (d) a request during the communication session; and responsive to automatically determining to join a third party to the communication session, initiate a communication session request to a third computing device.
This invention relates to a system for facilitating communication between drivers of proximate vehicles during an event, such as an accident or roadside assistance scenario. The system addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently connecting drivers to exchange information or seek help when their vehicles are in close proximity. A first computing device associated with a first vehicle presents a user interface to an authenticated user, allowing them to input vehicle information of a second vehicle nearby. The system queries a database using this information to retrieve connection details for a second computing device linked to the second vehicle, along with driver details. The first user interface then displays the driver information and an option to initiate a communication session. Upon selection, the system sends a request to the second device, which appears on its user interface for acceptance. Once accepted, a communication session is established between the two devices. The system further includes automated logic to determine whether to include a third party in the communication. This decision is based on factors such as the driver's language, age, detected physical or emotional state during the call, or an explicit request. If warranted, the system initiates a connection to a third computing device to join the session. This ensures additional support or translation services can be provided when needed.
12. The method of claim 1 further comprising: generating log data of the communication session; and presenting, by the first computing device and via the first user interface, an input field for receiving annotations from the first user.
This invention relates to communication session management, specifically enhancing user interaction and documentation within collaborative environments. The method involves establishing a communication session between a first computing device and a second computing device, where the first device presents a user interface to a first user. The session enables real-time communication, such as messaging or file sharing, between the users. The method further includes generating log data of the communication session, capturing details like messages exchanged, timestamps, and participant actions. Additionally, the first computing device provides an input field in the user interface for the first user to add annotations to the session log. These annotations may include notes, comments, or metadata to contextualize the communication. The system may also support collaborative editing of the log data, allowing multiple users to contribute annotations. The invention aims to improve documentation and knowledge retention in collaborative workflows by integrating annotation capabilities directly into the communication interface, reducing the need for separate note-taking tools. The log data, enriched with annotations, can be stored for future reference or analysis. This approach enhances productivity by streamlining the process of capturing and organizing communication details within the same platform used for collaboration.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising: automatically determining an emotion based at least in part on at least one of audio data or video data communicated via the communication session.
This invention relates to communication systems, specifically methods for enhancing interactions by analyzing emotional states during communication sessions. The problem addressed is the lack of real-time emotional awareness in digital communication, which can lead to misunderstandings or ineffective interactions. The method involves monitoring a communication session between participants, such as a video call or voice call, and automatically detecting emotions based on audio or video data. Audio data may include speech patterns, tone, or vocal cues, while video data may include facial expressions, gestures, or body language. The system processes this data using machine learning or signal processing techniques to classify emotions, such as happiness, sadness, or frustration. The emotional analysis is performed in real-time or near-real-time, allowing the system to provide feedback or adjustments to improve communication. For example, the system may suggest tone adjustments, highlight emotional shifts, or trigger alerts if negative emotions are detected. The method may also integrate with other communication features, such as transcription, translation, or collaboration tools, to enhance the overall interaction experience. The invention aims to improve communication clarity, empathy, and engagement by making emotional cues more visible and actionable in digital environments. This is particularly useful in remote work, customer service, or therapeutic settings where emotional context is critical.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising: automatically updating a map application executing on at least one of the first computing device or the second computing device, wherein the map application executing on the at least one of the first computing device or the second computing device circulates the update to the map application executing on other computing devices, wherein the other computing devices are associated with other users.
This invention relates to a system for updating map applications across multiple computing devices. The problem addressed is the need for real-time, collaborative updates to digital maps to ensure accuracy and relevance for users. The system involves a first computing device and a second computing device, each running a map application. The map application on these devices can receive and display updates, such as changes to road conditions, points of interest, or other geographic data. The system automatically propagates these updates to other computing devices associated with different users, ensuring that all users have access to the latest map information. The updates are circulated through the map application itself, allowing for decentralized and efficient distribution. This approach improves map accuracy and usability by leveraging user-generated data and ensuring that updates are shared across a network of devices. The system may also include features for verifying or validating updates before they are distributed, ensuring reliability. The overall goal is to provide a dynamic and collaborative mapping solution that adapts to real-world changes in near real-time.
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December 11, 2017
February 22, 2022
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